Although the search for an arboretum site for the city of Dallas was initiated in the 1930’s, the property for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was not obtained until 1977 by the City of Dallas, Texas. The 44-acre DeGolyer estate, located along the shores of White Rock Lake in East Dallas, Texas, was chosen as the site and placed under the management of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society. The estate, known as Rancho Encinal, was owned by Everette Lee and Nell DeGolyer who constructed a Spanish Colonial Revival Style house in 1940 and commissioned Arthur and Marie Berger, landscape architects, to design the gardens. The Berger gardens are incorporated into the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. In 1980 the city of Dallas purchased the neighboring 22-Acre Camp Estate, which was added to the grounds of the gardens. The Dallas Arboretum and Gardens were officially opened to the public in 1984. Featuring flower gardens, tiered fountains, an outdoor concert venue, and picnic areas, with views overlooking the lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens entertains visitors year-round and stages events, both public and private, as well as conducting research and providing educational programs. It recently updated its master plan to encompass previously undeveloped areas of the estate. Planned changes include the addition of a horticulture center and children’s gardens.